Polk County receives federal funding for Kathleen Road extension
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LAKELAND, Fla. — Planning is moving forward on the long-awaited Kathleen Road extension in Lakeland.
Residents say it is needed as the area continues to grow.
“Well, we’ve been hearing about 15-20 years, that they were going to go four lanes,” said Marie Yale, owner of K&K Nursery, located just off of Kathleen Road.
Kathleen Road is a north-south route through north Lakeland. Much of the road is two lanes.
For years, drivers have been hoping for a widening and extension of Kathleen Road to U.S. 98 to relieve traffic congestion.
That was especially the case when construction at the new Fox Branch Ranch development started in 2024.
A new U.S. House appropriations bill now includes $3 million to complete the design and permitting process for the extension project. Polk County officials confirmed they are receiving those funds.
Rep. Laurel …